Do you enjoy economics, government and sociology? Do you like the thought of becoming a teacher? If so, a career as a social science teacher might be for you. Read further to learn more about becoming a teacher in social science.
As a social science teacher, you would teach students about the history and culture of the world. Some of the subjects you might teach include history, government, economics and psychology. If you're teaching kindergarten through high school grades, you would spend your workdays planning lessons, instructing students and interacting with parents and administrators. As a teacher, you would also keep up with the latest technology and developments in your field. If you work as a postsecondary teacher, you might work for a junior college, technical school or university. You would plan coursework, assess student development and assist them with their educational needs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle school and secondary teachers was expected to increase 13% from 2008-2018; employment of postsecondary teachers was expected to increase 15% during the same time. (www.bls.gov). In May 2010, the BLS noted that the average annual salary for kindergarten teachers was $51,5550, elementary school teachers earned $54,330, middle school teachers made $54,880 and secondary teachers earned $55,990. Postsecondary social sciences teachers earned an average annual salary of $85,400, reported the BLS.
If you're interested in becoming a social science teacher for grades kindergarten through twelve, you need at least a bachelor's degree. For postsecondary teaching, you need either a master's or doctoral degree. If you'd like to teach in public elementary and secondary schools, all states require you to obtain licensure . This requires at least a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher training program and student teaching experience. To maintain your license, continuing education courses are usually required.
Many universities offer bachelor's degree programs in social science that you can complete while fulfilling teacher education requirements. These program options can include a bachelor's degree in social science secondary education degree programs. Your studies may cover economics, sociology and politics. You can also explore geography, human behavior and cultural studies.
You can also find graduate degree programs in this field. Topics in a master's degree program in social science might cover the human mind, teaching, worldwide views and social studies. Doctoral degree programs in social science have multiple seminars in research, as well as studies in multiple areas of science; you also usually need to complete a dissertation. Both graduate programs typically require completion of an internship.